Retroperitoneal Hematoma Causing Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Malfunction.

BACKGROUND: We present the unusual complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter dysfunction in a patient who developed a retroperitoneal hematoma following an endoscopic procedure and review the existing literature regarding this rare complication.

CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old man with end stage renal disease presented with PD catheter dysfunction. Computed tomography scan of his abdomen showed a large left retroperitoneal hematoma. He underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy and PD catheter revision. The retroperitoneal hematoma had ruptured into the peritoneum with clots clogging the catheter. Clots were evacuated and the catheter was flushed. He restarted on low volume PD three days after surgery and increased to full volume within a week with no further issues.

CONCLUSIONS: This case summarizes the very unusual complication of a retroperitoneal bleed from an endoscopic procedure that manifested as PD catheter dysfunction. The increasing utilization of PD catheters requires that surgeons remain aware of potential complications.